New headlights and wheels and colors, oh my!

Not much changes in the Versa Note's world for 2017, aside from an ever so slight makeover, including redesigned headlights, new wheels, and new exterior colors. The Note adopts the same V-motion grille and swept-back headlights as the Sentra, Altima, and Maxima sedans, and while it doesn't look vastly different than the pre-facelift model, it's indeed a handsome improvement. Looks good with the Note's new Monarch Orange color, too.

Feel free to scan through Nissan's full press release below for every last detail about the new Note, but there aren't many more changes to speak of. Inside the cabin there are larger cupholders and the 12-volt and USB outlets have been moved around, but that's about it. Everything else carries over, including the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, making 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque, and mated to a continuously variable transmission.

Pricing remains consistent, too. The base Versa S trim is gone, with the S Plus now serving as the entry-level model. It costs $15,480 – the same as last year – not including $865 for destination. From there, higher-end SV, SR, and SL trims come in at $16,380, $17,980, and $18,710, respectively.

Nissan will show the updated 2017 Versa Note at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, and it should arrive at dealers not too long after that. Look through the images below to see the updated Note from all angles.

Since its U.S. introduction for the 2014 model year, Versa Note has celebrated the difference between hatchback and sedan buyers. Where most manufacturers in the segment offer lookalike styling, essentially only substituting the trunk lid for a hatchback, the Versa Note and Versa sedan have highly distinctive exteriors. The two share many components under the skin, but few elements when it comes to design – acknowledging that hatchback buyers are looking for an added level of style to go with a 5-door’s utility.

This one-two punch of Versa Note and Versa has been rewarded in the marketplace, where the combination has maintained the highest sales among competitors in segment year-after- year1.

For 2017, Versa Note accentuates its popular forward-looking style even more with a new front fascia and “V-Motion” grille that flows seamlessly with the swept-back halogen headlights. While now sharing a closer family resemblance with Nissan Sentra, Altima and Maxima, the new design retains the vibrant Versa Note personality, especially when wrapped in new Monarch Orange or Deep Blue Pearl exterior colors. In addition, Versa Note S Plus, SV and SL grades receive the sporty rear fascia previously available only on Versa Note SR.

Other enhancements for the 2017 model year include a new wheel cover design for S Plus and SV grades and a revised 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design for the SL trim level. Inside, the 2017 Versa Note includes a number of customer input-driven changes, such as larger cupholders, the addition of a second 12-volt outlet for SV, SR and SL trims and the relocation of the first 12-volt outlet and USB auxiliary port to the front of the center console.

The 2017 Versa Note is offered in a range of four well-equipped models: S Plus, SV, SR and SL. Each model is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, matched with a next-generation, Nissan Xtronic transmission, helping them achieve up to an EPA-estimated 39 miles per gallon highway fuel economy. The Xtronic transmission has received new D-Step Logic Control tuning for improved acceleration feel. New Front End Design Enhances the Open, Aero and Energetic Exterior

Since its introduction in 2013 as a 2014 model, Nissan Versa Note’s sculpted styling has been designed to accomplish two things: provide efficient aerodynamics to help enhance fuel economy and to stand out from the crowd of entry-level competitors. Its dramatic shape and proportions provide an energetic look that reflects the active lives of its target buyers.

For 2017, the fresh new front end appearance adds to its character with a new fascia and Nissan’s distinctive V-Motion grille. Along with its steeply sloped front windshield and deeply sculpted doors, Versa Note features a dramatic character line called the “squash line.” Inspired by the international sport of squash, the line follows the trajectory of a squash ball hitting a wall, bouncing on the court floor and returning to the player. This “rebound path” projects the dynamic energy of Versa Note in both look and driving feel.

Attention to aerodynamic detail helps Versa Note achieve a coefficient of drag of 0.298. The large front spoiler combines with a “kick up” roof shape and low aero-drag floor structure (including front and rear tire deflectors, rear suspension beam mounted flush with floor and fuel tank deflectors) to direct airflow over, under and around the body. An Active Grille Shutter limits the amount of air entering the engine compartment, reducing drag force by 0.01. The Active Grille Shutter is generally closed at speeds above 20 miles per hour.

The new-for-2017 swept-back multi-reflector halogen headlights are paired with Versa Note’s “boomerang” rear taillights, which are similar to those found on the Nissan 370Z and Nissan JUKE. The special “vented” taillight design includes special outlets and lip to help guide air away from the body for reduced air turbulence and improved rear lamp visibility in bad weather. Fog lights and heated sideview mirrors are also available. All 2017 Versa Note grades now adapt the sporty rear fascia previously available only on the SR grade.

Versa Note’s dynamic design also takes full advantage of Nissan’s global “V” platform. It features a long 102.4-inch wheelbase helping maximize interior roominess, while short front and rear overhangs help provide a sporty stance and parking maneuverability.

The 2017 Versa Note is offered in the following colors: new Monarch Orange and Deep Blue Pearl, along with Gun Metallic, Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Aspen White and Fresh Powder.

Roomy Interior, Class-Exclusive Around View® Monitor2

The roomy interior is a perfect match for the stylish Versa Note exterior. The five-passenger Versa Note cabin provides a spacious total interior volume of 112.9 cubic feet and ample cargo space of 18.8 cubic feet. A low cargo area liftover height provides easy loading and unloading of heavy or bulky objects. The interior also offers front headroom of 40.8 inches and rear legroom of 38.3 inches – making Versa Note both adult comfortable and kid friendly.

Enhancements for the new model year include a number of customer input-driven changes, such as larger cupholders, the addition of a second 12-volt outlet for SV, SR and SL trims and the relocation of the first 12-volt outlet and USB auxiliary port to the front of the center console.

As in previous years, interior versatility is enhanced through use of an available Divide-N- Hide® Adjustable Floor. The Divide-N-Hide® system creates a flat cargo area. Lifting up the cargo floor board reveals a hidden area underneath to keep valuables out of sight. When more space is needed for carrying taller or bulkier items, lowering the floor board creates a deeper cargo well. The floor board is designed to stay in the vehicle yet is easily removed if desired. It’s a simple solution to balance the need for a flat load floor or maximum cargo capacity or security.

Also available are heated front seats with upgraded seat cloth and stitching, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome/silver accents, USB input with iPod® control, and steering wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth® controls. Two interior colors are offered: Charcoal and Wheat Stone.

Among the Versa Note’s unexpected and affordable technology is the class-exclusive1 Around View® Monitor2. The system utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, with selectable split-screen close-ups of the front, rear and curb views, helping the driver maneuver the car into tight spots. The Around View® Monitor2 is standard on the SL grade.

Also standard on SL or available as part of the SR Tech Package is the advanced NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps with SiriusXM® Traffic and SiriusXM® Travel LinkTM (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio and a 5.8-inch color touch-screen display. The NissanConnect Navigation System also provides warnings for curves, speed limit information and an eco route setting.

The Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant3 – which is available with the standard 5.0-inch color display on SV and SR grades and 5.8-inch display on SL grade – allows drivers to receive and respond to text messages without touching their cell phones. With a touch of a button messages can be read to the driver and answered with pre-loaded responses via voice recognition.

With entry-level buyers looking for value not just in the initial purchase price but also in day- to-day operation, the front-wheel drive Versa Note is designed to provide a rewarding combination of fuel economy and performance.

Anchoring the powertrain is a 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm. The engine includes a range of cutting-edge technologies, including a dual fuel injector system that allows a wider injection of fuel (versus traditional single injector systems), with the smaller nozzles delivering a spray approximately 57 percent finer than the previous generation single injector design’s particle size to help achieve more complete combustion. The compact, lightweight engine also utilizes a Twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system mounted on intake and exhaust ports (versus conventional CVTC systems, which are mounted only on the intake port), similar to the system used on the flagship Nissan Maxima. Using a CVTC on the outlet port increases thermal efficiency, decreases inhalation resistance and offers an approximate four percent improvement in fuel efficiency (over the previous engine design).

The Xtronic transmission, retuned for 2017 for better acceleration feel, allows continuous change of the transmission gear ratio by connecting the two pulleys with a metallic belt and changing their diameter by using hydraulic pressure. Aiding efficiency is an integrated auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing. The Xtronic features a transmission ratio of 7.3:1, broader than those of typical 7-speed automatic transmissions. A transmission oil warmer transfers engine coolant heat to the transmission oil, helping reduce transmission friction during cold starts, increasing short trip fuel economy.

In addition to the advanced engine and transmission designs, excellent everyday drivability is provided by an independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar, and electric power steering.

The 2017 Versa Note rides on standard 15-inch steel wheels with new-design full wheel covers and 185/65HR15 all-season tires, while 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 195/55HR16 all-season tires are standard with the SR and SL grades (redesigned for SL for 2017). Optionally available as part of the SV Appearance Package are 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Low rolling resistance tires are standard on all models.

Standard safety and security systems include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with available Easy-Fill Tire Alert.